Where do Garra Rufa Fish originate from and what are they all about?

The Garra Rufa fish known as Dr Fish for their therapeutic properties, belong to the Carp family, a unique type of freshwater fish native to Middle Eastern river basins. First discovered in the 19th Century in the hot springs of the Kangal Valley, Turkey, the Garra Rufa fish are recognised for their numerous healing benefits and effectiveness in exfoliating, cleaning and softening of the skin.

Do the Garra Rufa fish have teeth?

Absolutely not!! The fish nibble off the dead skin - expert opinion indicates that they are looking for food as they would do in the wild, instead of grazing over rocks; the new rocks are your feet!!

Why would I want to use a Garra Rufa Fish Spa?

Many of us suffer from dry skin when it becomes depleted of its lipid layer, so we spend lots of money on creams and ointments over the years to try and moisturise the skin. The Tootsies Fish Spa is a natural way to achieve healthy and rejuvenated skin as the Garra Rufa fish suck the dead skin away, unveiling your healthy soft skin which lies beneath. The fish create a natural enzyme in their saliva called diathanol which then helps with new skin growth.

How often should I use the Spa?

We recommend that you build in visiting the Spa as part of your beauty regime, just like you would with a pedicure; this one's just a natural pedicure therapy. Fifteen or thirty minute treatments are recommended on a fortnightly basis, but it is, of course, dependent on the severity of your dry skin, and you may find a course of six treatments in a relatively short period of time initially will be extremely beneficial.

What does it feel like?

It can only be described as a tickling sensation, whatever happens you are guaranteed a pleasant, relaxing experience - we usually find it provides our clients with a good giggle when they first experience the treatment. We at Tootsies like to refer to the Garra Rufa fish as gently giving your feet small kisses!

Who can use the Spa?

The therapy is suitable for all regardless of age or gender. All we ask is that children under 15 years of age are accompanied by an adult (18 years plus) as our Health Questionnaire needs to be countersigned by an adult. Those clients suffering from psoriasis, eczema, diabetes or on medication which may lower the immune system, thus increasing the risk of infection, should consider the implications carefully before using the Spa. Our staff will be more than happy to discuss the procedure in order that a considered choice can be made.

Limitations on using the Spa?

Please allow 24 hours prior to visiting the Spa for leg shaving or waxing, and likewise 48 hours if you have had a spray tan or applied nail varnish. Obviously if you are suffering from any contraindications such as verucas, athletes foot, or open wounds you will have to wait until the condition has healed.

Is the treatment hygienic? Let us put your mind at rest!

After months of waiting, there is now a Health Protection Agency Directive on the management and hygiene regime related to Fish Foot spas. Tootsies are pleased to say that we conform to this Directive and the following information gives you some idea on how serious we are when it comes to ensuring that hygiene is of the utmost importance.

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We at Tootsies investigated the market thoroughly to ensure that we sourced our tanks and fish from a reputable supplier. A specific filtration system is required for use in Garra Rufa Spas; our tanks are fitted with an innovative and patented UVR8 filter and strong UV sterilizer.
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The water is constantly circulated and sterilized by the UVR8 filter, and is filtered 10 times per hour.
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Tootsies staff are trained in the maintenance of the tanks ensuring that the necessary water changes and cleaning regimes are carried out, and recorded, daily.
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We at Tootsies physically clean and check your feet prior to you using the pod. If we are at all worried about any contraindications we see on your feet which may be detrimental to either our fish or clients, we will respectfully ask you to re-book once the condition has been treated.
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At the end of the treatment we dry your feet with a soft single use towel. We feel the use of single use towels are the most hygienic and environmentally friendly alternative to cotton towels. You are also provided with a pair of single use, disposable flip flops for walking around the Spa. At the end of the treatment we give you a relaxing foot massage.
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Please be assured that our strict Health and Safety Policy ensures we achieve the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness for our clients and living environment for our fish

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